How MAZZEL’s Different Debut Path Shaped the Group
While other BMSG groups debuted through major televised auditions, MAZZEL’s journey began much more quietly — and that unusual path may be exactly what shaped the group they are today.
MAZZEL’s latest music video, “Get Up and Dance,” quickly surpassed one million views within just a few days of its release.
Bright, colorful, and full of playful energy, the song presents a different side of the group compared to some of their earlier performances. But beneath the upbeat atmosphere lies something that feels quietly reflective.
In many ways, the song — and especially its music video — feels like a snapshot of the journey MAZZEL has taken together over the past few years.
And that journey has been noticeably different from the paths taken by other BMSG groups.
A Different Kind of Debut
Since its founding, BMSG has become known for launching new artists through large-scale audition projects that draw significant public attention.
BE:FIRST, the label’s first group, emerged from the audition program THE FIRST, which gained widespread television coverage and quickly became a major topic across Japan.
More recently, the girl group HANA captured enormous attention through No No Girls, an audition project many media outlets described as a cultural phenomenon.
And the newest BMSG group, STARGLOW, has already begun attracting attention through THE LAST PIECE, an audition program that also received television exposure.
Against this backdrop, MAZZEL’s debut followed a noticeably different path.
Rather than emerging from a widely broadcast audition show, MAZZEL was introduced after the group had already been formed, with their story later shared through a documentary-style series released primarily on YouTube.
For some observers, the difference was striking. Compared with the large public spotlight surrounding other BMSG auditions, MAZZEL’s journey appeared much quieter.
A Group That Grew Step by Step
That quieter beginning may have shaped the group in ways that were not immediately obvious.
Instead of appearing suddenly in the national spotlight, MAZZEL’s story unfolded gradually. Fans were able to follow the members’ growth through documentaries, performances, and releases that slowly built the group’s identity.
Over time, the connection between the eight members — and with their fanbase, MUZE — became one of the defining characteristics of the group.
In that sense, MAZZEL’s rise has felt less like a sudden breakthrough and more like a journey unfolding step by step.
A Line That Reflects the Journey
One line from “Get Up and Dance” has resonated strongly with fans.
Lyric from “Get Up and Dance”
“A story that’s not going as planned.
But somehow it all feels right.”
(as translated in the official MV subtitles)
For many listeners, the lyric feels almost like a reflection of MAZZEL’s story.
The group did not emerge from the most high-profile debut project within BMSG. Their path was quieter and at times less visible.
Yet the members continued moving forward together — building their identity through performances, releases, and the support of their fans.
MAZZEL / Get Up and Dance (Official MV)
A Journey Hidden Inside the Music Video
The music video itself seems to reflect that journey.
Its concept resembles a colorful board game, with the members moving their pieces across the board as if progressing through stages of a shared adventure.
Fans quickly noticed that the video contains small details that appear to reference moments from MAZZEL’s past.
In one scene, the game pieces are miniature cars that resemble the vehicle used in the music video for “Seaside Story.”
Other spaces on the board contain markings that seem to hint at earlier chapters in the group’s history.
Taken together, the board begins to look less like a simple game and more like a symbolic map of MAZZEL’s journey.
Looking Toward the Next Destination
One moment in particular has captured the attention of fans.
In the scene, TAKUTO, the group’s leader, points ahead along the game board as if guiding the members toward the next destination.
At the end of the path stands a small miniature building.
Many fans believe the structure resembles Tokyo Dome.
In Japan’s music industry, performing at Tokyo Dome has long been considered a symbolic milestone — a venue associated with artists who have reached a major level of success.
Whether intentional or not, the image resonated strongly with MUZE.
MAZZEL is scheduled to embark on an arena tour this year, and for many fans the moment felt almost like a quiet message within the video:
the journey is still continuing.
The Eight Members Who Took a Chance
Perhaps the most meaningful reflection on MAZZEL’s formation came from member EIKI.
Looking back on how the group came together, he once said:
“If the audition had been different, these eight members might never have come together.”
The comment hints at how unusual the group’s formation was.
The audition that ultimately led to MAZZEL was not widely promoted as a search for a new boy group. Instead, it began as an open call for trainees, attracting applicants who were willing to take a chance on an uncertain opportunity.
Eight of them did.
And somehow, they became MAZZEL.
A Story That Was Never Meant to Be Ordinary
Looking back now, MAZZEL’s debut may have seemed quieter compared to other BMSG projects.
But that different beginning may also be what shaped the group.
Instead of a single explosive moment of recognition, their story has unfolded gradually — built on the chemistry between the members and the steady support of their fans.
In many ways, the board game inside “Get Up and Dance” feels like a fitting metaphor.
A journey that did not follow the expected route.
But one that keeps moving forward,
one step at a time.
And perhaps that is why a line from the song feels so fitting.
“A story that’s not going as planned.
But somehow it all feels right.”
(as translated in the official MV subtitles)
And MAZZEL’s story
is still being written.
Written by Lily-K | BMSG Pulse
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